Community Project Funding Requests

The appropriations process includes the evaluation and acceptance of member requested Community Project Funding (CPF). Congressman Garbarino has submited CPF requests on behalf of local governmental entities and non-profit organizations within New York’s 2nd Congressional District. The process to submit CPF requests is extensive and must meet the highest ethical standards. What follows is specific criteria the House Appropriations Committee will consider when considering CPF requests:

• Ban on For-Profit recipients: The Appropriations Committee is imposing a ban on directing CPF to for-profit entities. For-Profit corporations or organizations need not apply. With that being said, memorials, museums, and commemoratives (i.e., projects named for an individual or entity) are not eligible for Community Project Funding.
• One-Year Funding: Each project request must be for current fiscal year funds only and cannot include a request for multiyear funding.
• Federal Nexus Requirement: All Community Project Funding requests must have a federal nexus, meaning they must already be eligible under current federal programs (i.e. grant opportunities).

When submitting a Community Project Funding request to the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino, we ask all local governmental and non-profit organizations to submit the following:

• Formal Request: Submit a letter on official letterhead which provides a description of the project that needs federal funding. Also include the name and title of the local official who will oversee the request/project; provide that individual’s contact information including address, telephone number, and email address; and provide the funding level that you will be requesting for the project and the total funding needed to complete the project. If applicable, please include documentation of project specifics, plans, pictures, etc.
• Proof of Community Support: Community engagement and support is crucial in determining which projects are worthy of Federal funding. Only projects with demonstrated community support will be considered. This recommendation builds on past Committee reforms, and Members will be required to present to the Committee evidence of community support that were compelling factors in their decision to submit the request. Examples of these include, but are not limited to:
  • Letters of support from elected community leaders (e.g. mayors or other officials);
  • Press articles highlighting the need for the requested CPF;
  • Support from newspaper editorial boards;
  • Projects listed on State intended use plans, community development plans, or other publicly available planning documents; or
  • Resolutions passed by city councils or boards

If you should have any questions regarding this process, need any clarification relating to a potential project you are interested in submitting, or want to submit a request; please do not hesitate to contact our D.C. office.